Downtown Wheaton's Ice (Cubed) Fest brings wintry sculptures to life

But ice can be fun as well. Look no further than downtown Wheaton for proof.

The city’s annual Ice (Cubed) Fest, sponsored by the Downtown Wheaton Association, will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 3, and ice sculptures are the focus of the event.

“You just have to face the fact that in this part of the country we’re going to experience winter,” said Paula Barrington, executive director of the Downtown Wheaton Association.

[Shaw Media file photo]

The fest offers people an opportunity to celebrate rather than complain about the season, she said.

The event draws more than 1,000 people to downtown Wheaton, many of whom are fascinated by the artistic creations that are carved out of a block of ice.

“People like to come and take selfies with the sculptures,” Barrington said. “It’s fascinating. People love to touch the sculptures.”

Twenty-eight ice sculptures will be in front of various downtown businesses.The sculptures were created by Chicago Ice Works, and they are in cold storage until the event. They will remain on display until they melt.

[Shaw Media file photo]

The event offers participants more than one opportunity to admire the frozen works of art. They’ll also have a chance to see how ice sculptures are created. An ice-sculpting demonstration will be from noon to 3 p.m. at Martin Memorial Plaza.

An ice sculptor will use a chain saw, blow torch and chisels to make a creation out of a block of ice.

"He's got the touch," Barrington said. "He knows the tricks of the trade."

[Shaw Media file photo]

Volunteers from Willow Creek Church will be on hand serving coffee and hot chocolate during the fest.

Fest-goers who want to get a little closer to the ice are encouraged to visit the Wheaton Park District's ice skating rinks before or after attending the fest.

The Park District's Ice-A-Palooza will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Central Athletic Center ice rinks, 500 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton. The event will feature skate performances by Center Ice of DuPage, a bonfire, games for kids and adults, visits with Anna, Elsa and Olaf from the movie "Frozen," and other activities.